A FORMER Ilkley Grammar School student has been successful in being selected as one of just 44 artists to exhibit in the BP Portrait Award Exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

The oil on board painting - Resting by Helen Lee Robinson - was chosen out of more than 2,500 entries from 44 countries around the world.

And at the age of just 22 Helen was the youngest exhibitor in the prestigious portrait painting competition. Entries represent the very best in contemporary portrait painting.

Helen grew up in Ilkley, attending Ilkley Grammar School, as did her sister Lucy who sat for the portrait with the family dog.

Helen went on to Glasgow School of Art and gained a BA Honours Degree in Fine Art, Painting and Printmaking in 2018.

She bases herself in Glasgow and at home with her parents Nigel and Debbie Robinson, of Ilkley, and recently had a solo exhibition in Ilkley.

Lucy has sat for her sister on several occasions.

Helen enjoys capturing the special relationship the sisters have.

Helen said: “I loved the colour of her hair together with our dog’s fur and began painting an image reflecting a moment of quiet comfort and ease at home.”

With a first prize of £35,000, and a total prize fund of £74,000, the Award is aimed at encouraging artists to focus upon and develop portraiture in their work. Over the years, this has attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries.

In its 40th year at the National Portrait Gallery and 30th year of sponsorship by BP it continues to be an unmissable highlight of the annual art calendar.

The exhibition can be seen at the National Portrait Gallery in London until October 20, 2019. Admission is free. The BP Portrait Award 2019 will tour to Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh and Ulster Museum, Belfast.